Importance Of Ragi For Children

By: Debdatta Mazumder

Published: Thursday, November 26, 2015, 20:45 [IST]

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India is an agriculture-based country. The variety of crops you can see here is not available at other parts of the world. If the eastern part of India is rich in the cultivation of paddy, the north-western region is flourished with wheat. Ragi or finger millets are one of those crops, which are cultivated at the southern and western parts of the country. Though India leads the world in the production of this crop, it is not much popular among the people yet.

However, it doesn’t mean that there are no benefits associated with it. Basically, ragi is a crop that has plenty of health benefits. It is also considered as a healthy baby food. What is the importance of ragi for children? Actually, there are many health benefits of ragi for children. Before discussing that, let’s get a brief introduction about the crop. Ragi is a whole grain, which is rich in proteins and minerals when compared to many other crops. While a favourable weather is needed for the growth of other crops, farmers don’t have to wait for anything to grow ragi. It can sustain even in drought conditions.

What are the health benefits of ragi for children? This millet contains several types of amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, phenyl alanine and methionine), vitamin B (niacin, B6) and folic acid. Therefore, the importance of ragi for children and grownups can be easily understood. So, have a look at the health benefits of ragi for children and make a special place for it in your kitchen.

1.Rich In Calcium:

Do you give calcium tablets to your children for strong bones? Replace them with ragi instead, as it is rich in calcium when compared with any other millet. At the growing age, children need some dietary supplements for healthy bone and teeth development and strength. Ragi can be the best food option for your child.

2.High Fibre Content:

You get tensed often by thinking what to give your children to provide proper nutrition. Often they face difficulties in digesting all types of foods. With ragi, you don't have to think twice. The fibre content in ragi helps kids to digest their food easily and keeps constipation at bay.

3.Provides Iron:

In India, anaemia is a common problem among women and children. Ragi comes at a low cost, but is rich in iron components. If your child is suffering from low haemoglobin, do include ragi in his/her regular diet.

4.Makes Them Relax:

What are the other health benefits of ragi for children? Well, children are always energetic. But, after a tiring day at school, they become exhausted in the evening. The presence of antioxidants and amino acids, such as tryptophan, can make them feel relaxed and restore their energy for further moves.

5.Ragi For Diabetes:

You may think, what is the point of relating diabetes to children? Well, researches have shown that the diabetic gene also starts working in children from a very early age. Therefore, regular intake of ragi can keep your children away from this risk. Now, do you understand the importance of ragi for children?

6.High Amount Of Protein:

It is proved that ragi contains high amounts of protein in comparison to any other crops. If you are a vegetarian, give your children ragi every day to complement the need of animal proteins. This is definitely important for a child's growth.

7.Boosts Lactation:

The lactating mothers are also suggested to have ragi on a regular basis, specifically, when it is green. It enhances milk production with iron, calcium and protein components that are essential for the baby's development.